“Children do not see the world in the lens of “English”, “maths” and “science” – that would be strange indeed!” says Juliet. “The world to a young child is an amazing place, full of discoveries to be made, and parents should help children learn in a holistic way.

“Everyday routines and activities are opportunities for rich learning in language, numeracy and other areas such as art, music and socio-emotional development.

“Here are some things you can do with your child to help him or her develop language and literacy, numeracy and understanding of the world.”

Before eating, ask your little one to lay the table. Name the cutlery and utensils, and count the number of pieces needed. Whenever appropriate, let him decide on the number of pieces to eat – for example, fishballs – and count together as he picks out the pieces.

While eating, talk about the ingredients that make up the food and about healthy diets. Your child may even ask you how the food is made – which could lead to another activity, shares Juliet.

Related:5 things you must know about priority Primary 1 registration for MOE Kindergarten students

If you don’t want to send your kid for enrichment lessons, how can you use everyday activities to teach your child English, maths and science?
Juliet Chia, a pre-school education curriculum specialist with the Ministry of Education, which runs MOE Kindergartens, offers this advice.
Related: 5 things you need to know about the new science programme at Kinderland preschool
“Children do not see the world in the lens of “English”, “maths” and “science” – that would be strange indeed!” says Juliet. “The world to a young child is an amazing place, full of discoveries to be made, and parents should help children learn in a holistic way.
“Everyday routines and activities are opportunities for rich learning in language, numeracy and other areas such as art, music and socio-emotional development.
“Here are some things you can do with your child to help him or her develop language and literacy, numeracy and understanding of the world.”
1. Grocery shopping
Before heading to the supermarket, make a list with him of what to buy. If he is not ready to write, ask him to draw the items and write down the quantity.
At the supermarket, get him to look for the items. Count along as he picks them out with your help.
Related: How to help my child learn better
2. Meal time
Before eating, ask your little one to lay the table. Name the cutlery and utensils, and count the number of pieces needed. Whenever appropriate, let him decide on the number of pieces to eat – for example, fishballs – and count together as he picks out the pieces.
While eating, talk about the ingredients that make up the food and about healthy diets. Your child may even ask you how the food is made – which could lead to another activity, shares Juliet.
Related: 5 things you must know about priority Primary 1 registration for MOE Kindergarten students
3. Cleaning up after play
After playing with toys, tidy the room with Junior. Count the toys as you put them away together. Help him to observe and talk about the colour, shape or size of the toys.
You can even get him to sort and put them away by those categories. Compare the different toys by engaging him in conversation about the similarities and differences.
He may even surprise you by picking out attributes such as texture (you can then talk about how some toys are smooth, while others are rough)!
Such activities allow your youngster to think beyond himself and show care and concern for the environment and the larger community.
Related: 10 good habits to teach your preschooler
(Photos: 123RF.com)